You may have heard about diatomaceous earth as an excellent way of killing parasites in animals, ridding your home of fleas or having excellent health benefits for humans. But when you look on the market, there are a number of different types of diatomaceous earth, and if you need it for a specific use it is important to choose the right kind. With everything from food grade to non-food grade and saltwater to freshwater diatomaceous earth, understanding the difference is vitally important when choosing what you need.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth comes from the fossils of marine life known as Diatoms. A bit like grass, diatoms are the basic food source for much of the world’s aquatic life and it also comes in a variety of different types. Once this plant life has been fossilised and farmed it is then crushed into microscopic powder which then has a number of different applications.
Diatomaceous earth can be used to worm your pets, get rid of fleas in your home and also help your body absorb calcium and reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol. The diatomaceous earth that you use will depend on how it is treated. It is very important that if you are going to ingest diatomaceous earth or feed it to your animals that you use food grade powder.
Diatomaceous earth is often widely used within a host of agricultural, industrial and horticultural areas. Again, a different grade of powder will be used for these applications.
Salt Water Diatomaceous Earth
Saltwater diatomaceous earth comes from the diatoms that are found within saltwater. It is less consistent, and often does not have a set structure. In most cases, this type of diatomaceous earth is used within industry as additives within paint and chemicals and filtration aids. Saltwater diatomaceous earth is known to be harmful to animals and humans and should therefore only be used within its intended industries and not ingested.
Fresh Water Diatomaceous Earth
Freshwater diatomaceous earth is much more consistent. The fossilised shells will often have maintained their shape, which is tubular in appearance. This tubular shape will also be able to strengthen the fossil and therefore make it more effective. Freshwater diatomaceous earth also contains a high amount of silica which makes it extremely pure and much more effective as a parasite eliminator with health benefits.
If you want to use diatomaceous earth to worm your pets to help reduce your blood pressure or cholesterol then freshwater diatomaceous earth in food grade form is what you should be looking for.
If you are unsure about the best form of diatomaceous earth for you to use, the quantities you need to turn or how to ensure that it is most effective then speaking to diatomaceous earth retailers such as Diatom Retail will help to clear up any questions that you may have about the products and ensure that you have a clear and standing of how to use it.
